It’s been HOT in the North East. As in 90 degrees Fahrenheit plus almost daily. And while my skin is in pretty good shape, the summer heat tends to trigger dehydration and congested pores in my finicky complexion. When I don’t skip steps and opt for an actual moisturizer over a serum and before sunscreen (daytime) or face oil (nighttime), I reach for lightweight, super hydrating, pore clearing, gentle textures that absorb and layer well. Enjoy the six picks that are in constant rotation this summer, including a very recent launch that is also light on your wallet.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha/Beta Exfoliating Moisturizer
This is without a doubt the best Dr. Dennis Gross moisturizer for my skin type (and sadly appears to be on its way out). Part of the Alpha Beta family of products, it is infused with the exfoliating blend of Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Mandelic, Tartaric, Citric, and Salicylic Acids to help speed up cellular turnover and reveal clear, glowing skin. If you fear the abundance of acids, the formula is actually quite gentle and you don’t experience tingling nor redness. This silky oil-free moisturizer has a light and creamy consistency, glides on the skin like a dream, and sinks in within seconds. Works brilliantly morning and night. $68 (2 oz) dermstore.com
Omorovicza Silver Skin Lotion
Not only do I feel I am at a luxe European spa whenever I apply Omorovicza anything, the decadent Hungarian formulas give my complexion that post-facial glow. The new Silver Skin Lotion is my current summertime hero. And may I add, that’s quite a title when strangers on Instagram call out your visible pores. The innovative formula combines a gorgeous blend of antibacterial Colloidal Silver, pore refining Mastic, brightening Niacinamide, antioxidant-rich Zinc, mattifying Magnesium, and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid to deliver glowing, blemish-free results. True to the brand’s heritage, this oil-free lotion also channels skin rejuvenating powers via a thermal water infusion called the Healing Concentrate™. Recently, this has been my go-to in the mornings. Very much worth the splurge. $129 (50ml) beautylish.com, omorovicza.com, feelunique.com
Clark’s Botanicals Vital Jasmine Cream
Last year, Clark’s Botanicals rebranded and reformulated its entire line to unveil a clean, new look. It also welcomed a new hero — the Jasmine Vital Cream. This weightless gel-cream is powered by a rare Jasmine species grown in Italy’s Dolomite mountains, and is known for its soothing and nourishing properties. Truly elegant, the formula is blended to perfection with Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Red Algae, Irish Moss, and Arnica Extracts. Currently on my second jar, I am thrilled to say that this gentle cream is absolutely brilliant at keeping my stressed skin perfectly balanced, deeply hydrated, and overall radiant. My only two wishes are: a bit larger pot and that the cream smelled like jasmine, which I adore. $75 (30ml) goop.com, revolve.com
Malin + Goetz Advanced Renewal Moisturizer
What I love about Malin + Goetz is that their formulas are straightforward with just the right amount of extra. The Advanced Renewal Moisturizer is a lighter version of the cream counterpart within the anti-aging edit and a perfect option for skin that leans combination. Living up to its ‘advanced’ status, the lotion highlights rejuvenating Meadowfoam Seed and Linseed Oils, firming Apple Stem Cells, and skin plumping sugar molecules, Barley Extract, and Sodium Hyaluronate. As someone who prefers fast-absorbing lotions and appreciates the convenience of a pump bottle, I find myself reaching for it both morning and evening, especially when I want my minimal self-care approach to deliver visible results. $76 (50ml) malinandgoetz.com
Goldfaden MD Detox Gel
I still remember testing the Goldfaden MD Detox Gel while on a press trip in Arizona a few years ago. I figured the desert heat would make for the perfect environment. This lightweight gel kept my skin feeling hydrated, looking radiant, and blemish free in spite of constant UV exposure, countless SPF re-applications, and washing my face at least four times a day. It’s an oil-free formula that contains pore-clearing Salicylic Acid as well as hydrating and calming botanicals such as Mallow, Lemon Balm, Gotu Kola, and Acai Extracts. If you shy away from gel textures because of the stickiness factor, this one absorbs in record time and won’t leave a trace. $68 (50ml) goop.com, spacenk.com
Pixi Clarity Lotion
The Clarity collection is my favorite Pixi Skintreats launch in a long long time. I promise a full overview soon but I couldn’t round up my favorite summer moisturizers without highlighting this find. The water-based gel is oil-free and my skin drinks it in like it’s its job. What makes this particular moisturizer impressive is the well-rounded ingredient deck that features Willow Bark derived Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, skin firming Arginine and Ceramides, oil absorbing Kaolin Clay, detoxifying Charcoal Powder, and Vitamin C as well as soothing Cucumber Extract. I haven’t been this impressed with a drugstore moisturizer for my skin type in a while. $24 (50ml) pixibeauty.com
